FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Insecurity in Nigeria presents a complicated challenge that has defied several management efforts by the government. the issues of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, ritualism, trafficking, and the like have continued to appear at the front burner of national discourse. Yet, little progress has been made to address these issues. However, one area that has not attracted sufficient attention is marginalization, which studies have established as the nexus between marginalization or its variant, exclusion, and insecurity. This study examined the relationship between marginalization and insecurity in Southeast Nigeria, using Orlu Local Government Area as a case study. Orlu was chosen due to its notoriety as one of the centres in the Southeast where insecurity is pervasive. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to elicit responses from a randomly selected 100 respondents from Orlu Local Government Area. The entire study was anchored on the frustration-aggression hypothesis that argues that when a person or group is frustrated, the result can be aggression. The study found that the Igbos are marginalized, being excluded from holding key political positions in Nigeria, disallowed from partaking in the decision-making process in Nigeria, and overlooked by the Nigerian government in many issues challenging the region; restricted from accessing basic infrastructure in Nigeria, empowerment initiatives in Nigeria, and approved loans in Nigeria; and restricted from effectively relating with other ethnic groups, as well as discriminated against due to their ethnic background. Furthermore, the study found that the name ‘Igbo’, which carries identity and stereotype, the experience of the civil war, envy for the entrepreneurial skills of Igbos, and the industry of Igbos, were the causes of marginalization of the region. The study recommends that the government need to convene a regional meeting to address specific challenges faced by the region; intensify actions towards separating genuine agitators against marginalization and opportunists; and compensate the victims of the Civil War as promised post-war.

This study examined the integration and utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing service delivery in the Edo State Ministry of Education. The objectives were to determine the availability of ICT facilities, assess their effectiveness in administrative operations, evaluate the impact of ICT adoption on service delivery, identify the challenges hindering ICT integration, and suggest strategies for improvement. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 100 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as mean and percentage were used for data analysis, while Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to test instrument reliability. Findings revealed that ICT facilities such as computers, internet connectivity, and relevant software are fairly available and accessible to staff. ICT tools were found to moderately enhance administrative processes, communication, and data management, thereby improving efficiency and service quality. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited training, and resistance to change were identified as major obstacles to full ICT adoption. The study further found that strategies such as regular ICT training, increased funding, establishment of ICT support teams, and improved infrastructure would significantly strengthen ICT-driven service delivery. The study concluded that ICT plays a vital role in promoting transparency, efficiency, and productivity in the Ministry. It recommended increased government investment in ICT infrastructure, continuous capacity building for staff, and effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure sustainable and efficient ICT utilization in the Edo State Ministry of Education.

This study investigates the relationship between public debt and economic growth in Nigeria from 1980 to 2022, focusing on GDP dynamics, inflation, exchange rates, and institutional factors. Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rising debt-to-GDP ratio—projected to exceed 46% by 2025—the research addresses conflicting theoretical debates on whether public debt stimulates growth through investments or stifles it via fiscal instability. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative analysis of time-series data (sourced from the IMF, World Bank, and Central Bank of Nigeria) with qualitative insights from policy documents. Econometric techniques, including OLS regression, ADF unit root tests, and Johansen cointegration analysis, are applied to evaluate the impact of debt on macroeconomic performance.
Results indicate a significant positive relationship between total public debt and GDP growth, suggesting that strategic borrowing for infrastructure and human capital development can enhance economic outcomes. The study concludes that sustainable debt management requires institutional reforms, diversified revenue streams, and transparent allocation of borrowed funds. These findings offer actionable insights for policymakers seeking to balance debt-driven growth with long-term fiscal stability in resource-dependent economies.

This study assessed the roles and importance of social workers in managing terminal illness, using the Palliative Care Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, as the study area. Terminal illnesses often present complex medical, psychological, and social challenges for patients and their families, thereby requiring comprehensive support beyond medical treatment. The study adopted a survey research design, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to patients and significant others within the palliative care unit. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 130 were successfully retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency counts and simple percentages.
Findings from the study revealed that patients with terminal illnesses experience significant psychological and emotional challenges, including difficulty adapting to lifestyle changes and treatment demands. The results also indicated that family members and caregivers often experience emotional distress and reduced personal time due to caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, the study showed that social workers play a critical role in providing psychosocial support, counseling, care coordination, advocacy, and linkage to social resources for both patients and their families. However, the findings also highlighted limited awareness among some respondents regarding the roles of social workers in healthcare settings. The study concludes that social workers are essential in promoting holistic care and improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients. It therefore recommends increased awareness, institutional support, and integration of social workers into multidisciplinary healthcare teams to enhance palliative care services

This study examined efficiency management and accountability in Nigeria with particular focus on Akoko Edo Local Government Area. The study adopted a descriptive research design and utilized a sample size of 250 respondents drawn from the local government civil service to assess the relationship between accountability practices and management efficiency. The study revealed that corruption has significantly affected the efficiency of management within the civil service, thereby reducing productivity, weakening institutional performance, and limiting effective service delivery in the local government area. The findings further indicated that inadequate monitoring mechanisms, weak enforcement of ethical standards, and lack of transparency contributed to poor administrative outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommended the urgent need to strengthen anti-corruption measures in public institutions through improved oversight, enforcement of accountability frameworks, and promotion of transparency in administrative processes in order to enhance efficiency, restore public trust, and improve productivity in the civil service of Akoko Edo Local Government Area and Nigeria at large

This study examined the impact of corruption on public service delivery in Edo State, Nigeria, with a view to understanding how corrupt practices influence the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of public services. Using a mixed - method research design, primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews with public officials, service users, and community stakeholders, while secondary data were sourced from government reports, academic publications, and anti – corruption agency records. The study’s findings reveal that corruption manifests in various forms, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and bureaucratic delays, which collectively reduce service quality, distort resource allocation, and weaken
institutional capacity. Responses indicated that corruption discourages citizen participation, erodes trust in governance, and perpetuates poverty and inequality. The research recommends strengthening anti – corruption frameworks, promoting
transparency and accountability mechanisms, enhancing public sector reforms, and encouraging citizen oversight. Ultimately, the study emphasize that tackling corruption is essential to improving public service delivery and achieving sustainable socio –
economic development in Edo State and Nigeria at large.

This study examined the integration and utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing service delivery in the Edo State Ministry of Education. The objectives were to determine the availability of ICT facilities, assess their effectiveness in administrative operations, evaluate the impact of ICT adoption on service delivery, identify the challenges hindering ICT integration, and suggest strategies for improvement. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 100 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as mean and percentage were used for data analysis, while Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to test instrument reliability. Findings revealed that ICT facilities such as computers, internet connectivity, and relevant software are fairly available and accessible to staff. ICT tools were found to moderately enhance administrative processes, communication, and data management, thereby improving efficiency and service quality. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited training, and resistance to change were identified as major obstacles to full ICT adoption. The study further found that strategies such as regular ICT training, increased funding, establishment of ICT support teams, and improved infrastructure would significantly strengthen ICT-driven service delivery. The study concluded that ICT plays a vital role in promoting transparency, efficiency, and productivity in the Ministry. It recommended
increased government investment in ICT infrastructure, continuous capacity building for staff, and effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure sustainable and efficient ICT utilization in the Edo State Ministry of Education.

This study examined the Cyberbullying And Mental Health Among Students In University Of Benin. A total of 140 respondents participated in the study, providing insights into their perception on cyber bullying and mental health, and the relationship between the two. This study employed a descriptive survey research design, The data for this study was collected by using the questionnaires, The findings indicate that The mental health impact of cyberbullying was also significant, with anxiety being the most common psychological consequence, followed by depression and stress. Many students also reported low self-esteemand a sense of social isolation. These findings underscore the severe consequences of cyberbullying, affecting students’ mental well being and overall academic performance. The study concluded that The low awareness of available support systems, along with their perceived ineffectiveness, highlights a gap in addressing the needs of students who are victims of cyberbullying

This study focuses on state failure, poor governance and restructuring; interrogating the trilogy in the Nigeria state, and ourresearch questions were formulated to guidethe study. The study employed a descriptive research design. The population for the study comprised of two hundred and thirt three thousand, three hundred and sisty six(3,233,366) from the three senatorialdistrict of Edo State. Random sampling techniques were used in the selection of respondents, the sample size was made up of one hundred (100) randomly selected respondents from Ovia North East Local Government Area in Edo state. The findings show that restructuring is a panacea to poor governance in Nigeria. It was observed that Election rigging is the major cause of poor governance in Nigeria. The study conclude that that contrary to some perceptions, it is not the system in this case federalism but the process of governance that has run into trouble in Nigeria since independence. It is not the system but the operators of the system that are the problem of the Nigerian state. Hence, building and strengthening institutions, accompanied with constitutional reforms are fundamental if state failure,bad governance and ultimately if agitation for restructuring is to be avoided. This work thus recommended that an extra constitutional political arrangement for power sharing and rotation of the supreme of ice of the state (Presidency) among the three major ethnic groups on someequitable basis for a transitional period of eight years so as to allay the fear of perceived, real or imagined marginalization by certain element of the Nigeria’s federating units

Youth participation in politics remains pivotal in the sustenance of a nation’s democracy. Participation does not only ensure that government performs its duties, but also guarantees the rights of ordinary people to participate in their community development. Activities such as voting in an election, sponsoring a candidate, petitioning or participating in a protest are forms of political participation that influence public policy directly or indirectly through affecting the selection process of those who govern the people. The study attempted to examine the impacts of the youths on democratic process in Edo State: A case study of 2023 general elections. The study interrogated the following research questions: What was the level of the youths’ turnout during the 2023 general election in Edo State? What were the different ways the youths participated in the 2023 general election in Edo State? What were the youths’ patterns of voting in 2023 general elections in Edo State? Did the youths indulge in electoral violence in the 2023 general election in Edo State? In what ways can youth political participation and democratic process in Edo State and Nigeria be improved? Theoretically, the study utilized the system theory to explain youth political participation and democratic process in Edo State during the 2023 general election. Methodologically, the study surveyed 392 respondents in Oredo Local Government Area through a structured questionnaire. The study made the following key findings. The first finding was that there was massive youths’ turnout during the general election in Edo State. The second finding was that the youths participated in the elections by joining the INEC team as ad hoc staff, sensitizing the people on how to locate their voting centers and ways to vote in the election and campaigning for their preferred candidates. The third finding shows the patterns for which the youths voted during the 2023 general elections in Edo State. In that order, the pattern were voting to safeguard the future of Edo State and Nigeria’s democracy as well as foster national development, voting based on religion, personality of the candidates, ethnicity and political party. The last finding shows that the youths were also involved in various forms of electoral violence such as voter inducement, ballot box snatching and thuggery. The study therefore recommends that the government should create an enabling environment that can stimulate youths’ participation in the Nigeria’s democratic process, implement the various policies such as ‘Not Too Yong Run’ should be speedily implemented, need for proper sensitization of the Nigerian youths on the need to participate in politics and criminal elements are not good for the growth and development of any country.